A new monitored exchange zone has been established at the St. Martinville Police station.
The “safe zone” is intended to facilitate the exchange of children in shared-custody and visitation arrangements, or the transfer of property between strangers, providing a secure environment and a video recording.
Public Information Officer Adam Touchet told the Teche News that the plan involves making the station’s first two parking spaces, near Bridge Street, available to the public. A video records activity there at all times, day and night.
“The police will not usually be involved directly,” Touchet said, “The idea is to provide a place where exchanges of any kind can be conducted with video evidence of what transpires.”
With private transactions such as the sale of goods being arranged between parties online, the exchange zone will be available to reduce fears of meeting an unknown person to complete the exchange.
Such zones are being established in many cities nationwide after a spate of robberies during private-sale exchanges in Boca Raton, Fla. The exchange zones have spread as a way to create an improved sense of security.
Touchet said if residents believe they have reason to ask for an actual police presence at the exchange zone, they should contact the department.
